NY’s 69,000-acre buy likely to boost tourism

The state of New York is acquiring the biggest chunk of land in the Adirondacks in more than a century, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday.

Cuomo said the $49.8 million acquisition of 69,000 acres of land would preserve a significant portion of the Upper Hudson River watershed.

“Today’s agreement will make the Adirondack Park one of the most sought after destinations for paddlers, hikers, hunters, sportspeople and snowmobilers,” he said in a release. “Opening these lands to public use and enjoyment for the first time in 150 years will provide extraordinary new outdoor recreational opportunities, increase the number of visitors to the North Country and generate additional tourism revenue.”

The land is being sold to the state over a five-year period by The Nature Conservancy. The conservancy bought a 161,000-acre timberland property in 2007, managing much of it with the intent to protect the land.

The 69,000 acres of forests includes more than 180 miles of rivers and streams, 175 lakes and ponds and six mountains taller than 2,000 feet. It was formerly owned by the Finch, Pruyn & Co.

The Nature Conservancy said in a release that outdoor recreation contributes $11.3 billion to the state’s economy annually, supporting 130,000 jobs statewide.

Areas being acquired include OK Slip Falls, in Indian Lake; Essex Chain of Lakes, in Minerva and Newcomb; wild upper reaches of the Hudson River, and key tributaries, like the Cedar and Indian Rivers; and Boreas Ponds, at the southern edge of the High Peaks Wilderness, in North Hudson.

The conservancy said the state will also acquire land further south, in Adirondack Park gateway communities, including thousands of acres of forests known for expansive wetlands, cascading streams, and prime moose habitat, and forests a few miles north of Saratoga Springs with nearly 20 miles of mountain biking trails.

“In time, a spectacular, wild and previously private recreational destination will be open to all,” said Elizabeth Lee, a New York State Licensed Guide, referring to the Essex Chain of Lakes Tract in Minerva and Newcomb. “To hikers, paddlers, hunters and anglers it means new adventures and many more days and nights under the sky. To photographers and naturalists it means an extravaganza of new sights. To outdoor professionals it means welcome new business.”